Let's just say the Patriots' top two draft picks, tackle Caleb Lomu and edge Gabe Jacas, didn't light the world on fire in their preseason debuts against the Colts.
But it was far from a disaster for both of them, as you'll see in the film analysis below. For Lomu, most of his errors came from minor technique issues, like trying to help too much on a combo block or not sorting out quickly enough who he probably should have blocked. For example, he missed a cut block on the second play of the game. It ended up in a Mack Hollins reception, but it could have been a disaster against NFL starters. Those mistakes are going to happen in your first full-speed action since the college season ended. Linemen don't cut their teammates during practices, so that was hard to rep. The good news is, Lomu executed a cut block well later in the game.
For Jacas, he just looked extremely raw ... like he missed the offseason in a contract dispute and is playing catch-up. His instincts were nonexistent, and he was just running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He played right into a little tight end screen when he tore up field, instead of realizing the tight end was turning him loose and getting into the throwing lane. Twice, he fell for the read option fake and allowed Anthony Richardson to make easy gains, including one for 22 yards. Jacas had a hard time, at times, playing his assignment, and he inexplicably missed a tackle right in front of him. But it wasn't all bad. He showed his strength by setting the edge well a couple of times. And he deftly avoided the right tackle to force a running play into a small gain.
The more concerning aspect of Jacas' debut, which carried over from practice, is that his